Kurt Knutsson reviews the OpenAI GPT-5.2 model

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, moved at an extraordinary speed in 2025. According to the company, it launched GPT-5 in August, followed by GPT-5.1 in November. Now, a few weeks later, GPT-5.2 has launched with the usual claims of being the smartest and most capable ChatGPT yet.

At first glance, the rapid release may seem surprising. But there is context behind it. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly called a “code red” within the company, urging teams to move quickly on improving ChatGPT. That push comes as competition heats up. Google recently released Gemini 3, which reportedly outperformed ChatGPT in artificial intelligence benchmarks and delivered powerful image rendering. At the same time, Anthropic’s Claude continues to develop rapidly.

Against that backdrop, GPT-5.2 feels less like a general improvement and more like a strategic response. So what exactly has changed in GPT-5.2, and why does OpenAI say it matters?

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What exactly is GPT-5.2

GPT-5.2 is the newest version in OpenAI’s flagship 5-series of large language models. Like its predecessor, it includes two automatic variants. GPT-5.2 Instant is designed for everyday chatting and web browsing. GPT-5.2 Reasoning is designed for complex tasks such as long chains of reasoning and multi-step problem solving. These two types are now the default settings for all ChatGPT users, including free users. They replace GPT-5.1 Instant and Thinking completely. If you’re using ChatGPT today, you’re already using GPT-5.2, whether you realize it or not.

OpenAI’s GPT-5 brings you to ChatGPT

At the same time, OpenAI continues to position GPT-5 as “expert wisdom for everyone.” The company claims that the GPT-5 delivers solid performance across math, science, finance, law and other complex subjects. From OpenAI’s point of view, ChatGPT is now serving as a more in-demand professional than a basic chatbot. To support that claim, OpenAI points to practical examples. These include better coding assistance, clearer writing support, clearer health-related definitions and improved safety and accuracy. The company demonstrates use cases such as generating application code, writing lectures, explaining medicine and correcting errors in user-submitted images. In theory, GPT-5.2 builds on that same foundation. However, while OpenAI emphasizes deep thinking and reliable responses, those benefits remain elusive to most everyday users.

What new features does GPT-5.2 add?

Here is the short answer. Nothing. GPT-5.2 introduces no new tools, links, or topic features. Instead, OpenAI describes a series of behind-the-scenes improvements that are said to make ChatGPT faster, smarter and more intuitive. According to OpenAI, GPT-5.2 works best for:

• Creating presentations
• Completing complex projects
• Creating spreadsheets
• Understanding long context windows
• Interpreting pictures
• Using tools more effectively

Kurt Knutsson reviews new features in ChatGPT-5.2. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

OpenAI has also released new benchmarks that show GPT-5.2 outperforms GPT-5.1 and competing models by small margins. However, big numbers on the charts don’t always translate into significant improvements for real users.

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Why testing chatbot development is tricky

Testing chatbot development is harder than it sounds. The answers can vary greatly even when the information remains the same. A model may excel at one task and struggle with a similar task a while later. On top of that, OpenAI’s 5-series models are already performing at or near the top of the field. When performance starts that way, tangible benefits are hard to see. With that in mind, we tested the GPT-5.2, and in most tests, it performed almost identically to the GPT-5.1.

Why benchmarks don’t tell the full story

OpenAI benchmarks show low gains for GPT-5.2. That’s important for researchers and developers working on the standard. However, even advanced users may struggle to see the real benefits. Other companies have brought clear improvements. Google’s Gemini Nano Banana Pro model shows clear advantages in AI imaging and editing. That development is easy for anyone to test and verify. In contrast, the changes of GPT-5.2 sound less obvious. They are more available on paper than in daily use.

What does this mean to you?

If you pay for ChatGPT, there is little downside to using GPT-5.2. It replaces GPT-5.1 in the model system and usually performs at least once in daily use. Free users also don’t have much choice, as model access is handled automatically. For most people, the feeling feels normal and stable.

The picture is changing slightly for programmers and those who use it for business. Early pricing information suggests that GPT-5.2 could cost about 40 percent more per million tokens than GPT-5.1, depending on the implementation phase and access method. That makes testing important before committing to scale.

ChatGPT-5.2 works well but may not be fun, writes Kurt Knutsson. (Michael Nguyen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In short, GPT-5.2 works well. It may not seem exciting.

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Kurt’s priority is taking

The GPT-5.2 sounds like a model released under pressure rather than inspiration. It works well, remains reliable, and moves forward in measurable ways. Still, it doesn’t bring the kind of clear progress many people expect from a new version number. OpenAI remains the leader in AI, but the competition is closing in fast. As competitors make significant improvements, minor updates may no longer stand out. For now, GPT-5.2 feels less like a success and more like OpenAI’s successor.

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